A Brief History Of MS
Medical records dating back to the 1830’s clearly show that MS existed at that time and has probably always been with us.
The characteristic scars or plaques of MS were identified during an autopsy in 1868 by Dr. Jean-Martin Charcot.
Early treatments included electrical stimulation and injections of gold and silver, as they were somewhat helpful with nerve disorders. The very existence of the immune system was unknown at that time.
Not until the late 19th century was it determined that MS was a specific disease more common in women than men, that it is not directly inherited and that the disease can produce many different neurological symptoms. Myelin was not discovered until 1878.
Following World War I, MS research increased dramatically. Abnormalities in spinal fluid were discovered in 1919. In 1925 the first electrical recording of nerve transmission was established. This led to clarification of the role of myelin and the fact that the damaged (demyelinated) nerves could not sustain electrical impulses. The cell that makes myelin was discovered in 1928.
Shortly before World War II animals were used in the development of vaccines. Myelin, known to be virus free was injected into laboratory animals. This induced the animal’s immune systems to attack their own myelin. Thus a disease very similar to MS was produced. This procedure would become an important model in MS research paving the way to modern theories of autoimmunity.
In the 1940’s new understanding about MS emerged from wartime research. In 1946 The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) was founded.
In 1947 a grant to Dr. Elvin Kabat, Columbia University, resulted in a valuable spinal fluid diagnostic test for MS and demonstrated that MS and the immune system are connected.
Within the next few years grants were given by the NMSS to scientists in 17 countries for further research.
In 1950, Congress established the National Institute for Neurologic Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) which became an important partner to the NMSS.
By 1960 the NMSS had established 114 local chapters to provide services for MS patients and continue research.
In 1969 the first successful clinical trial of a treatment for MS was completed. A steroid (ACTH) was given to a group of patients experiencing exacerbations. ACTH proved superior in speeding their recovery. This therapy paved the way for modern steroid treatments still in use today for patients with acute exacerbations.
During the 1960’s scientific research began focusing on the immune system and viruses. These two main topics of research are still being explored today. MS may combine features of both an infectious and an autoimmune disease.
In 1978, the first CT (computed tomography) scans were performed on people with MS. The diagnosis of MS was further improved with the introduction of tests called “evoked potentials” which measure nerve conduction.
In the late 1970’s the first studies of beta interferon to treat MS began. During this period scientists also began tests of a drug now manufactured under the name Copaxone®.
In the 1980’s scientists finally identified the white blood cell type that causes the actual damage to myelin.
By 1984, the CT scan was surpassed by the MRI scan when it became apparent that MRI could actually see MS attacks within the brain.
In 1993, Betaseron ® was approved by the FDA to reduce the severity and frequency of attacks. Avonex® received FDA approval to slow the development of disability and reduce the severity and frequency of attacks in 1996. In late 1996, Copaxone® was approved for treating relapsing-remitting MS.
Novantrone® was approved by the FDA for the treatment of worsening relapsing-remitting and some forms of progressive MS in 2000. In 2002, Rebif® was approved by the FDA for treating relapsing forms of MS. It has been shown to decrease the number of flare-ups of the disease and slow the occurrence of some of the physical disability that is common in people with MS. Investigations of many new types of therapies continue. Laboratory studies are underway exploring methods of myelin replacement (remyelination). Success may ultimately lead to undoing the damage caused by MS.
Source Credit(s):
NMSS (National Multiple Sclerosis Society) MS: An Historical Perspective, By Loren A. Rolak, M.D.
February 6th, 2008